Grant money for meth lab cleanup running out

[Pudge]

WHITE CO., Tenn. - Many law enforcement agencies across the country rely on federal funding to clean up methamphetamine labs.
When the White County Sheriff's Office tried to get grant money on Wednesday night, the Drug Enforcement Agency told them there wasn't any available.
Detective Chris Isom works with the sheriff's office. He told Nashville's News 2 he is unsure how the county is going to handle clean for future meth lab clean ups without the funding.
"I've never had anything like this happen," said Isom, adding, "I've never seen anything like this happen."
Since January the White County Sheriff's Office has busted seven meth labs, and they're on track to find even more over the next couple of months.
Each time the sheriff's office has needed to clean up a meth lab, like the one they found Wednesday night, they've simply called the DEA's office and used grant money to pay for it.
That money comes from the COPS grant, or the Community Oriented Policing Services Office, which is funded by the U.S. Congress.
"When they called, they were informed there was no longer any money for the COPS grant and they would not be coming to clean up the meth lab," said Isom.
The sheriff's office doesn't have the right training to get rid of a meth lab properly, but they can't just leave it there.
Isom explained, "Meth labs are very dangerous, and they're a major concern when we do find them."
The county will have to start footing the bill for cleanup, which includes disposing of hazardous materials, such as battery acid and nitrate.
Isom told Nashville's News 2, "We didn't budget for cleaning up meth labs, because there's a grant for that, so now we're stuck with this cost. Where's that money going to come from?"
One option is the taxpayers of White County or, Isom said they may end up asking the criminals arrested for manufacturing meth to pay.
"Obviously we're going to have to start going after the homeowners, the individuals who own the properties and the criminals who are making the meth for restitution."
But for now, any solution is a temporary one.

Grant money for meth lab cleanup running out - WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather and Sports |




Actually, it's not "running out", it's gone.

[tweakerseeker]

Not just running out! It's gone. We were told by our DO yesterday that the DEA no longer pays for lab cleanups effective immediately. That sent us on a scramble for sure! I spoke with the removal contractor in our area and they told me that money was appropriated quarterly and more money would be available in April, though. Also, the EPA offers up to $25,000 in reimbursment for each HAZMAT incident. The money can be used to pay OT, replace PPE and pay for cleanup. If anyone doesn't know this and wants the info, I would be happy to post it.

[Pudge]

Not just running out! It's gone. We were told by our DO yesterday that the DEA no longer pays for lab cleanups effective immediately. That sent us on a scramble for sure! I spoke with the removal contractor in our area and they told me that money was appropriated quarterly and more money would be available in April, though. Also, the EPA offers up to $25,000 in reimbursment for each HAZMAT incident. The money can be used to pay OT, replace PPE and pay for cleanup. If anyone doesn't know this and wants the info, I would be happy to post it.

I was notified the night before last, and finally found this article last night.



If you would post the info, or if feel more comfortable doing so, pm me for my email address.

[ms1600]

$20 in diesel fuel, 2 road flares, and a training exercise for firefighters.